Can someone help me with a postage question?

[forhayden]

I send these request out using the stamps that you see in the attached picture. I have them sent out using a postage machine. My question is i seem to get these back all the time and does not seem like the postage is cancelled. Does anyone know if i can send them out again using that stamp or is there some other way the post office cancel's the stamp other than putting the canceled marks across them. I am not sure how to tell if they are cancelled

THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP ANYONE CAN GIVE ME

Thank you for your help i will not re-use the stamps. and as far as a work postage machine i do use my companies machine but i cut them a check every month with the postage i used so i do not have to wait in line at the post office. Again thanks for the response.

[rayelizwright]

Maybe it's not enough money.

[bigfoot215]

Those are meter strips, they do not run through a cancelling machine. If you look closely, the date the strip was printed is on the meter strip, along with a code number that identifies the meter that printed it. If you reuse them, the scanner will kick it out of the mail stream. People have been prosecuted for mail fraud for re-using meter strips or even uncancelled, but previously used stamps. Also if you are using a postage meter where you work, the mail will be returned to that address, along with a visit from the Postal Inspectors. If you are sending your personal mail out on your employer's dime, well... kiss your job good-bye. Ask yourself, is it worth it to try to save a few cents?

[ChefDNyce]

I'm confused on the last post. I know there is a meter strip but if the stamp itself is not marked or PO stamp on it...I think you can reuse it. I have in the past.

[bigfoot215]

Nope, you can't reuse stamps, even if they aren't cancelled. If you get caught, you can be prosecuted. I personally know an individual who was doing this with his business mail and he got a $5,000 fine and 6 months Federal prison time.